CASES OF MISUSE AND ABUSE OF

MEDICINES
 DRUG MISUSE

• The improper use of medicines-either prescription or over

the counter drugs- is called DRUG MISUSE

Examples of drug misuse include

• Taking more than the prescribed amount of a drug
• Not taking a drug for the correct period of time
 EXAMPLE SITUATION: IF YOU HAVE A
COUGH

PROPER USE
• Using per label instructions to treat a cough
MISUSE
• Mistakenly taking more than is recommended to
treat a cough
ABUSE
• Deliberately taking more than what is recommended
or taking for purposes other than treating a cough
 M I S U S E O F M ED I C I N ES - r e f er t o t h e i m p r o p e r u s e o f
medicines

• Some examples of misusing medicines include the following.

1. SELF-MEDICATION
Using an old prescription for a present ailment or using another person’s
prescription for similar symptoms to save a trip to the doctor.

2. DOUBLE DOSING
Some people mistakenly think that taking a double dose of medication can
make them feel better faster.
 M I S U S E O F M ED I C I N ES - r e f er t o t h e i m p r o p e r u s e o f
medicines

3. STOPPING A MEDICATION TOO SOON

Certain medicines such as antibiotics must be taken in full. Some people
stop taking their antibiotics once they start to feel better. It is advisable to finish
the prescribed medication to ensure that the infection is fully eliminated.

If not, the infection may occur and the bacterium will become more resistant
to the antibiotic and harder to treat.
 M I S U S E O F M ED I C I N ES - r e f er t o t h e i m p r o p e r u s e o f
medicines

4. TAKING MEDICINES OVER A PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME OR

BEYOND THE PERIOD PRESCRIBED BY THE DOCTOR
This could lead to health problems later in life, such as kidney failure, liver
failure, and deafness.
Certain medicines can harm a developing fetus. Females who are pregnant
or who plan to become pregnant should always check with a doctor before taking
any medication.
 DRUG ABUSE-is the use of a drug for reasons
and a manner other than for what is prescribed

• People who abuse a drug often do so to experience feelings of

euphoria(excitement and intense feelings of well-being and happiness),
relaxation, or “getting high”

• Painkillers and cough medicines are among the most abused types of
medicines.
 SOME SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE
INCLUDE

• Using a drug to get “high” or as a pleasure pill

• Using unprescribed medication
• Taking excessive doses of a drug
• Chronic or repeated use of a drug